For this month's edition of Gift Card, I'm excited to introduce SOUVENIR Studios. I love SOUVENIR's mix of contemporary craft, vintage treasures, under the radar cosmetics, and cozy apparel, all displayed in a beautiful, minimal environment. After visiting several of their charming pop up shops around the city during the past year (and discovering my new favourite candle there), I was so thrilled when SOUVENIR announced that they would be opening a brick and mortar shop in Fall 2015.

More from SOUVENIR's co-owners, Danielle Suppa and Trisha Lepper: "To keep the pop up spirit alive, the current space was designed as a multi purpose and ever changing home to showcase and collaborate with the creative community at large. The main focus of SOUVENIR is to create a collaborative and dynamic space to offer a new and evolving vision of contemporary design. Beyond simply selling goods, our true purpose is to foster meaningful connections between our designers, our customers, our space and our products. We believe in and support a range of design that is modern, innovative, accessible, beautifully executed, and above all - purposefully and lovingly made."

Danielle and Trisha put together two unique gifts using an array of items from SOUVENIR's shelves (and walls.)

"This gift was created with the travelling couple in mind and includes products that appeal to him and her. They are luxurious, practical (and packable!) items to take to a multitude of destinations and allow the couple to relax and enjoy their trip throughout as well as remember it for years afterwards."

"Buying someone a piece of art is an incredibly special and personal gift. Sagan Editions are extra special because you are not only supporting the artists themselves but also the thoughtful work and approach of curator/owner Sagan MacIsaac. The 3 prints we currently have available are very diverse but appeal to a wide audience of art appreciators, besides being of exceptional quality as well."

Love Gift Card?

This past September, on one of the last warm evenings of the year, I joined Katie and Dan at the corner of Bloor and Parkside to shoot their engagement session in High Park . For a couple that dwells in the Junction, the park is only a hop, skip and a jump away, and they often visit on bike rides, walks, or to have brunch at the Grenadier Cafe. For someone who doesn't visit this beautiful space nearly enough, I was excited to see their favourite spots, and spending time exploring with this playful couple reminded me of just how special High Park is. We ended the evening with an adventure to the beach at Humber Bay Park to scurry across the rocks, avoid the crashing waves, and admire the Toronto skyline. And just as we were packing up to leave, the Supermoon emerged from behind the clouds and shone it's golden light down on us to help end a lovely evening in style. Katie and Dan, I can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend at The Briars! xo

I'm excited to introduce a new series to the blog today, something a little different than the usual wedding or portrait post. Last year while visiting Vancouver for a friend's wedding, my boyfriend and I were searching for the perfect present, as the picked over wedding registry left us less than inspired. A single kitchen knife, bathroom towel, or salad spinner just didn't seem like the right fit, so we spent the morning hunting down an appropriate gift for our friends. Upon discovering a beautiful shop in the neighbourhood we were staying in, we put together a themed gift that was both beautiful and useful. At the wedding I could barely hold in my excitement, and admitted to the bride where we'd purchased their gift. She exclaimed "You found my favourite store in Gastown!" We were thrilled by her excitement and knew we'd made the right choice finding something a little different for our friends.

This experience got me thinking. As a long-time advocate of independent shops, how could I showcase the selection of goods that are hiding in different corners of the city that would make unique and unexpected gifts for couples when the classic registry just isn't cutting it? I decided to go to the source: the shop owner. I've asked the owners of some of my favourite shops to put together a "wedding registry" to their own store, with the option to package gifts ranging in price from $100 to $400, so there's something to suit every budget and discover something new along the way. For our first post, I'm excited to introduce Camille Byrne of Cambie Design, who's put together two beautiful gifts!

Cambie Design is a small home decor shop located in the vibrant Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. Focusing on thoughtfully made product, the store has become best known for its bright textiles from Peru, particularly their popular Cambie blankets. The blankets are custom made and designed by owner Camille Byrne who also sources all of the traditional Peruvian textiles (rugs and cushion covers) from the Andes Mountains. Cambie proudly supports local makers and designers as everything else found in shop is Canadian made. Having grown up travelling between homes in Canada and Peru, Camille hopes to provide you with unique and beautiful pieces for your space.

Gift Option 1Classic Cambie blanket - $100 (+ tax)

"By far our most popular item, the Cambie blanket is sure to be a hit with the new couple. Always well received and at a great price point, a blanket makes a thoughtful gift for the home, adding warmth to any space."

"The handmade cushion covers are one of a kind, bright, colourful and fun. Blue sage from Province Apothecary is traditionally used in smudging ceremonies, prefect for cleansing a space and starting out this new chapter together. Paired with a gold dipped ceramic dish from Akai Ceramic Studio, functional and ideal to beautifully display the bundle of sage. Finally, a softly scented soy candle to round out this inviting gift for the newlywed couple and their home."

Thanks for the visit, Camille! I'm definitely eyeing those pillows for my home now! Next month we'll feature a new shop, so keep your eyes peeled!

Nicole & Bobby brought the love two Sundays ago, boy, did they bring the love! Portraits at the beautiful Dundurn Castle, followed by a little fun at Dr. Disc in downtown Hamilton. The night was topped off with a wild performance by punk band PUP. Things got a little crazy in the best way possible. This is a mere glimpse of their day, with lots more to come soon.

Sandra and Juan, friends since high school, married on September 5th at the charming Redcrest Golf Club in Newmarket. It was a hot day but these two beat the heat in style. The guests were treated to a performance by the traditional Columbian band Tuna Lazos de Amistad who encouraged the couple to join them. Once dressed in the colourful cloak, Juan brought his best dance moves much to Sandra's amusement. Thanks for the fun you two, there's lots more to come!